This post is part of my 12 Days of Christmas campaign where I share a Christmassy blog post every day for 12 days! It involves giveaways, competitions and more – so keep your eyes peeled!
Last-minute decisions are usually some of the best ones! So deciding to go on a last-minute city break is a great idea. Sadly, the days of cheap last-minute deals are ending and you are now more likely to get a better deal if you book in advance.
But you can still book a cheap last-minute getaway! I’ve made a list of the top 5 destinations that offer cheap last-minute flights from the UK.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is Polands’ second city and the royal capital of the country for centuries. The city still has a medieval feel to it and this is reflected in the beautiful artictecture. Visit the Old Town, wander around the Market Square and look up at the Gothic churces to get a feel for the history of Krakaw. Nearby the Old Town you can find the Botanical Garden, which is a lovely visit if you like plants and nature.
If you are spending some time in Krakaw you cannot miss out on a visit to the Wawel Royal Castle. This gorgeous complex looks out over the Vistula River and boasts an impressive Italian styled courtyard. You can visit the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral, so make sure to plan a few hours for this visit!
Handy information:
- A return flight from London to Krakow can cost as little as £20 per person!
- The flight duration from London to Krakow is 2 hours and 25 minutes
- Krakow time is one hour ahead from the UK.
Dublin, Ireland
If you are thinking of taking a last minute trip to Dublin, good for you! This gorgeous city has plenty of fun things to do, day and night. It’s also a really great city to explore in a short weekend, as it is not that big. Dublin is especially an interesting location for those who like a drink or two. You can do a tour around the Guiness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery and enjoy a drink afterwards.
If you want to explore some of Dublin’s history, visit the Dublin Castle and/or Trinity College Library. Both are absolutely gorgeous, picture perfect for the Instagram, and steeped in history.
After the taste of history you might want to explore more of Dublin’s culture. A visit to the Temple Bar is a must! The nightlife in Dublin is fantastic and unlike anywhere else. In the morning you can cure your hangover with a classic full breakfast!
Handy information:
- A return flight from London to Dublin can cost as little as £20!
- The flight duration from London to Dublin is 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Dublin is on the same time zone as the rest of the UK.
Alicante, Spain
The Spanish city of Alicante has a lot to offer for a quick last-minute break. Even in the winter the temperatures stay mild and of course the Spanish summers are amazingly sunny! There are many great reasons to head to sunny Spain for a last minute break.
The Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art (MACA) has works on display from artists like Joan Miró Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and more. Or take a short ferry (approx. 1 hour) to Tabarca Island where you can snorkle, scuba dive and enjoy the marine life the island has to offer.
Handy information:
- You can buy a return flight from London to Alicante for just £20 per person.
- A flight from London to Alicante takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Alicante is one hour ahead from the UK.
Faro, Portugal
With temperatures staying around 15 degrees in the winter and rising up to 29 degrees in the summer, Faro is a fantastic destination for a city break in all seasons. This compact, authentic city has a lot to offer: from history to nightlife, Faro will charm you!
Start by exploring the Old Town, with is historic cathedral, bishop’s palace and Museu Municipal. If you are into nature, make sure to visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This nature reserve follows 60km of the coastline and is a beautiful celebration of nature. For a bit of fun, jump on the tourist train (Comboio Turística). Going around the Old Town, Carmo and São Pedro churches, modern Faro and the municipal market, this 45 minute trip will keep all members of the family entertained.
Handy information:
- A return flight from London to Faro can cost as little as £20!
- The flight duration from London to Faro is 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Faro is on the same time zone as the UK.
Bucharest, Romania
If you want to explore Eastern Europe, why not head to Bucharest. The capital of Romania is probably the best option for a cheap last-minute break. The food, drink and attractions are generally very cheap. However, this doesn’t mean Bucharest is not amazing! It is a fantastic city with an interesting culture and history.
To explore this culture, head to the Bucharest Parliament building – the heaviest builiding in the world! It is also the second biggest administrative building in the world (surpassed by the Pentagon). You can take a tour of the inside which is very impressive.
If you needed more convincing that you can take a cheap break in Bucharest: they have free walking tours! You can join by meeting them in the main Square (Piata Sfatului), next to the fountain. The staff wear an orange outfit so should be easy to spot! The tour takes between 120 and 150 minutes and is of course free (although donations are appreciated).
Handy information:
- Prices for a flight from London to Bucharest start at as little as £20!
- A flight from London to Bucharest takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Bucharest is on Eastern European time zone, two hours ahead of the UK.
